Interview: Carmen Smith and Diana Rouvas

Carmen Smith and Diana Rouvas are two talented young ladies, and contestants on the first season of The Voice. The friendship they sparked through the show has prompted them to head out and play some shows together.

In the lead up we were able to speak to both of these talented young ladies about themselves, so read along and find out a little more information and details of their shows can be found at the bottom of this post.

B&L: When did you know you wanted to be a singer?

Carmen: When I heard and saw Whitney Houston on my television and when I watched Michael Jackson do the moonwalk for the first time on “25 years of Motown”. At 5 I said “That’s what I’m gonna do”. I never wavered.

Diana: It was a knowing and I was singing from the moment I could make sound. I started training at 4 years old as my parents were great singers & singing teachers. And as an unusually disciplined 4 year old I practiced hours a day! There never was anything else… it was an inbuilt desire knowing & practice!

B&L: If you weren’t making music what career path do you think you would have taken?

Carmen: Mmm, it’s hard to say. I love clothes, in the sense that it can change the way a person feels about themselves. I have become really good at putting an outfit together for close to no money (a musicians life). I would love to assist a stylist and watch them work. Either that or nutrition… I love that food can heal people.

Diana: It’s hard to say.. since I’ve never accepted any other option! haha… Something creative. I love interior decorating… artistic things bring me to life naturally. I’m always painting feature walls & doing random changes around the house… I am also very passionate & aware of health & nutrition – perhaps I’d be helping people that way…It’s something that is a part of my life today.

diana
Diana Rouvas

B&L: Can you tell us a little about how you would describe your style?

Carmen: Funky, cool. I love Gwen Stefani’s fearlessness. She puts things together that aren’t necessarily classic with really classic pieces and it oozes cool. Of course the bright red lip never goes astray. I love structured pieces and I’m loving the kinda sporty chic look I have been seeing. I am all about sport. On stage, I don’t like being restricted cos I’m always throwing my arms and legs about, so pants, shorts and sleeveless shirts are great for me. I’m a little bit of a tomboy with my fashion. I love a great button shirt and blazer.

Diana: I like to think that it’s classic but with edge. I like to have a bit of funk jump out of the class!

B&L: What has been your career highlight to date?

Carmen: It would have to be singing for the people I have over the years. I don’t think I would be the performer, singer, person that I am without them. Also, making 4 judges turn their chairs for me on this lil show was kinda amazing. It felt like affirmation that I’m in the right place.

Diana: Probably performing to people since the voice has been a rewarding experience. I’ve done a lot of a cool things in the past, But there is nothing like being truly listened to.

B&L: Can you tell us a little about your time on The Voice, what was the most valuable thing you gained?

Carmen: My time on the show was short lived but a really important moment. When I left, I went straight on tour, got off and said to myself “right, it’s time to do your own thing”. It forced me out of my comfort zone. I had a lot of fun on the show and it opened my eyes to a lot of things, good and bad. The most valuable thing that has come from this show was the belief in myself and meeting Diana Rouvas. When we met, we hit it off and I have so much respect for what she does. I found a great friend in her. I love her to death.

Diana: Other than the wonderful friendship I found in Carmen Smith? Look that really was a special thing to come across, but the exposure definitely has been extremely helpful to my career. Working along side some great people is something you can’t put a price on & don’t always have access to.

Carmen Smith
Carmen Smith

B&L: You are playing some shows together over the coming months, what can we expect from the 2 Voices Tour?

Carmen: You can expect just that, 2 Voices. They are acoustic shows and they can be tough. You are completely exposed, but, to me, that is liberating. I’ll be singing some originals and so will Diana then we’ll come together for some songs too. These shows came about because, we are friends first and I thought “Hey, let’s do some shows together”… I think it was one of my better ideas…

Diana: I am a massive fan of Carmen & I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else! That girl can SANG! We are both going to give 110% I know it – expect lots of heart & soul! haha

B&L: What’s next for you?

Carmen: I released my single on August 27th “They Don’t Know Me” with my EP of the same name. Lots of writing and gigging is the aim. Who’s knows what’s next…

Diana: I am beginning to look at making a record – Hoping it will be something special it will really mean a lot to me… it’s been a long time coming! Other than that lots of live work which is my favourite & lots of writing!

B&L: What does being a woman mean to you?

Carmen: It means being fearless, confident, honest, genuine… being real (CARMEN SMITH)

Diana: It’s a powerful thing I believe. We have the gift of being able to carry life – & are able to indulge in lots of beautiful things – Certainly women I know add delicate beauty to simple things ..It also means we endure a lot!! But I guess it’s a compliment.. because we can! haha (DIANA ROUVAS)

Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk to us ladies.

2 Voices Show Details

Friday, October 19th

Norwood Live
Cnr The Parade & Osmond Tce, Norwood, SA.
Show Only $25+bf ($30 at the door); Dinner & Show $60+bf
Doors open 6.30pm
Book early to avoid disappointment.
For Information & Bookings Ring The Norwood Hotel on (08) 8431 1822

Saturday, October 20th

Goolwa Aquatic Club, Foreshore, 92 Barrage Rd, Goolwa, SA.
Tickets $30
For information & bookings call 08 8555 1243

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *